In the Bible, a necromancer is defined as someone who practices necromancy, specifically attempting to communicate with the dead, which is condemned as a form of divination or sorcery. This is exemplified in passages such as Deuteronomy 18:10-12, where such practices are prohibited due to their association with pagan rituals.
Scripture
9 “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations.”
10 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer.
11 or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead,
12 For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.
13 You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.
14 For these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do this.
Biblical Definition of Necromancer Explained
The biblical concept of necromancy and necromancers reflects a broader theme of divine authority versus human attempts to intrude upon the mysterious realm of the afterlife. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, God explicitly commands the Israelites to avoid practices such as divination, soothsaying, and necromancy, emphasizing that these are abominations that cause disloyalty to His covenant. The condemnation stems not just from the acts themselves, but also from their underlying belief systems that challenge God’s sovereignty over life and death. By attempting to communicate with the dead, practitioners risk distorting God’s intended relationship between the living and the divine, demonstrating a lack of faith in God’s plans and His ultimate power over both.
Furthermore, the portrayal of necromancers in the Bible serves as a cautionary tale against seeking wisdom outside of God’s guidance. For example, the story of Saul in 1 Samuel 28 illustrates the grave consequences of turning to a necromancer, the Witch of Endor, after God had withdrawn His favor. This event underscores that seeking counsel from the dead or other supernatural forces can lead to despair and disobedience rather than the truth and hope that God provides. The broader meaning of these prohibitions is a call to trust in God’s wisdom and provision, emphasizing that life should be anchored in faith rather than reliance on forbidden practices that divert believers from the path of righteousness.
In examining the biblical definition of necromancer, it is crucial to recognize how this concept aligns with the larger biblical narrative of spiritual integrity and the sanctity of divine communication. Necromancers were often depicted as individuals who sought to access forbidden knowledge by invoking the dead, a practice deeply intertwined with the cultures surrounding ancient Israel. This pursuit for hidden truths or insights into the supernatural realm serves as a stark contrast to the Israelites’ calling to trust in God alone for knowledge and direction. The biblical perspective holds that attempts to summon the spirits of the deceased are not merely misguided but fundamentally rebellious against God’s authority, undermining the established order of life and death.
Moreover, the term “necromancer” encapsulates a broader condemnation of spiritual practices that seek power apart from God. In various narratives throughout the Old and New Testaments, the overarching theme emphasizes reliance on God’s revelation rather than alternative supernatural sources. The prophet Isaiah, for instance, denounces those who consult mediums and spiritists, warning that they lead people astray from the path of righteousness and truth. This warning highlights a consistent biblical message: that faith should be rooted in the divine wisdom of God rather than the deceptive allure of occult practices. Ultimately, the awareness brought forth by these biblical passages serves to encourage believers to pursue a relationship with God that is grounded in trust and obedience, steering clear of the enticements of necromancy and its inherent spiritual dangers.
The Forbidden Practice of Communicating with the Dead
In the biblical context, necromancy refers to the practice of attempting to communicate with the spirits of the deceased. This act is often viewed as a violation of divine commandments, as it seeks to access knowledge or guidance from sources outside of God. The broader meaning here emphasizes the importance of relying on God for wisdom and understanding, rather than seeking out forbidden or occult practices that can lead individuals away from faith and trust in divine providence.
The Spiritual Consequences of Necromancy
Engaging in necromancy is not only seen as a transgression against God’s laws but also as a practice that can have dire spiritual consequences. The broader implication is that such actions can open individuals to spiritual deception and manipulation by malevolent forces. This highlights the biblical theme of the struggle between good and evil, where turning to necromancy can lead to a loss of spiritual integrity and a distancing from God’s protective presence.
The Call to Faithfulness and Obedience
The condemnation of necromancy in the Bible serves as a broader call to faithfulness and obedience to God’s will. It underscores the idea that believers are to seek guidance through prayer, scripture, and the community of faith rather than through occult practices. This reflects a deeper theological principle that emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pure and devoted relationship with God, which is foundational to the life of faith.
How to Strengthen Your Faith and Avoid Deceptive Practices
Strengthening your faith is a deeply personal journey, and it often begins with a commitment to immerse yourself in Scripture and prayer. Spend time daily in the Word, allowing its truths to shape your thoughts and actions; this will help you discern what aligns with God’s will and what may lead you astray. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage and challenge you in your walk with Christ, as fellowship can provide accountability and wisdom. Be vigilant against deceptive practices by testing every teaching against the Bible—remember, even the most charismatic speakers can mislead if their messages stray from the Gospel. Cultivate a spirit of discernment through prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you in recognizing truth from falsehood. Ultimately, as you deepen your relationship with God, you’ll find that your faith becomes a sturdy anchor, helping you navigate the complexities of life with confidence and clarity.
Bible References to Necromancers and Their Definition:
Leviticus 19:31: 31 “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 20:6-7: 6 “If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.
7 Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.
1 Samuel 28:3-9: 3 Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had put the mediums and the necromancers out of the land.
4 And the Philistines assembled and came and encamped at Shunem. And Saul gathered all Israel, and they encamped at Gilboa.
5 When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.
6 And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets.
7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a medium at En-dor.”
8 So Saul disguised himself and put on other garments and went, he and two men with him. And they came to the woman by night. And he said, “Divine for me by a spirit and bring up for me whomever I shall name to you.”
9 The woman said to him, “Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and the necromancers from the land. Why then are you laying a trap for my life to bring about my death?”
2 Kings 21:6: 6 And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.
2 Chronicles 33:6: 6 And he burned his sons as an offering in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and used fortune-telling and omens and sorcery, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.
Isaiah 8:19-20: 19 And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?
20 To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.
Isaiah 19:3: 3 And the spirit of the Egyptians within them will be emptied out, and I will confound their counsel; and they will inquire of the idols and the sorcerers, and the mediums and the necromancers.
Galatians 5:19-21: 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Revelation 21:8: 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.